Planning application for State's largest offshore renewable energy hub off south east coast

Iarnród Éireann, Port Authority for Rosslare Europort, has confirmed its intent to lodge a planning application for the development of the State's largest offshore renewable energy hub off the south east coast.

The Rosslare Offshore Renewable Energy Hub (Rosslare ORE Hub), will be a landmark new facility designed to support Ireland’s growing offshore wind industry.

The plans, which will be submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála next week, are a blueprint for the State’s largest ever purpose-built port facility dedicated to offshore renewable energy (ORE).

The €220 million development will be important both locally and nationally, creating 2,000 long-term jobs for the region, while also supporting the country’s renewable energy targets. 

Located at Rosslare Europort in County Wexford, the project will transform Rosslare Harbour into Ireland’s primary base for the construction, operation and maintenance of offshore wind farms in the Irish and Celtic Seas.

A spokesperson for Iarnród Éireann said the development represents a key step in meeting Ireland’s renewable energy targets and in positioning the southeast region at the forefront of the new green economy. 

The Government has committed to achieving at least 5GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2030; Rosslare ORE Hub will have the potential to support the installation of approximately 0.5GW to 1GW of offshore wind capacity each year.

Subject to planning being granted and funding allocated, Iarnród Éireann aims to commence construction in early 2027, with delivery targeted for early 2029.

Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann, Mary Considine, said: “The Rosslare ORE Hub marks a once-in-a-generation investment in Ireland’s clean energy future, integrating national transport and maritime infrastructure to unlock offshore wind potential and deliver sustainable growth for coastal communities."

"It will also be a significant boost for the South East, creating jobs in an emerging and vital industry, and becoming a crucial asset in Ireland’s energy transition journey," she said.

Spanning 80 hectares, the Rosslare ORE Hub will include two new heavy‑lift berths specifically designed for offshore renewable energy components, extensive areas for storage, marshalling and assembly and a new 64-berth, small boat harbour. 

The project will also include new access roads, utilities, environmental enhancements and facilities for local marine users, including the Rosslare Sea Scouts.

The planned works will comprise 50 hectares of dredging, 32 hectares of land reclamation - including the creation of 19.7 hectares of new port lands capable of handling the largest wind turbine components. 

"These facilities will enable Rosslare to serve multiple offshore wind projects underway in the Irish and Celtic Seas and deliver long-term economic and employment benefits to County Wexford and the southeast," noted the spokesperson in the statement.

Glenn Carr, Director of Commercial Business Units with Iarnród Éireann, Port Authority for Rosslare Europort, said: "Lodging planning for Rosslare’s ORE Hub is a significant milestone in the development of this critical piece of infrastructure that will support the development, growth and long-term operation of the offshore wind industry in Ireland’s South East region."

"Delivering this nationally significant infrastructure will support the continued expansion Rosslare Europort, strengthen the local economy, support local employment and deliver on national and EU policy priorities," he said.

The project, which is owned by Iarnród Éireann, has also been co-funded to planning stage by the EU Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). 

The 2,000 jobs created by Rosslare ORE Hub will span port construction, offshore wind construction activity and long-term operation and maintenance phases of offshore wind development.

Meanwhile, ESB and Ørsted have secured the Government contract to develop an offshore windfarm off the coast of Waterford.

The State electricity company and Danish group are partnering to create the windfarm development site at Tonn Nua, near Dunmore East, with their €98.72 per megawatt-hour bid.